Why you should talk to your tenants about parking this Christmas

Parking can be a contentious issue at the best of times, and with holiday visitors arriving for Christmas, your tenants could find themselves in strife if parking rules aren’t followed.

Parking can be a contentious issue at the best of times, and with holiday visitors arriving for Christmas, your tenants could find themselves in strife if parking rules aren’t followed.

“Most strata complexes have clearly signed visitor parking areas that specify time restrictions, and it’s important people play fair and abide by these limits,” Archers – The Strata Professionals partner Andrew Staehr said.

If you are managing apartments with shared parking areas that are not clearly signposted, this could become an issue for your tenant.

“Having a time limit on parking ensures that the visitor parking is not monopolised by one resident’s family and friends, and that there is room for everyone during the festive season,” Mr Staehr said.

Even clearly signposted parking only works if everyone abides by the rules, so being clear on these with your tenant is important to avoid confrontation or complaints.

“Increasingly, we are called on by body corporate committees and strata managers to install signs warning visitors they may be towed for failing to abide by parking restrictions,” Tow.com.au CEO Dominic Holland said.

“This comes at no additional cost to residents, but enforces a legally binding obligation to drivers which, should they choose not to comply [with], allows their vehicle to be towed.”

PMs must ensure your tenants are aware of the rules and the consequences if these rules are broken. For instance, some strata complexes will have vehicles towed if they are in visitor parking for an extended period of time.

“This is especially true at Christmas, where people want to enjoy time with family and friends without the stress of upset residents who can’t secure a park. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared,” Mr Holland said.